In recent years, the printing industry has been increasingly calling for the introduction of very large format (VLF) CtP systems that, in addition to high exposure quality, offer improved productivity enabling the handling of a larger number of jobs, as well as more streamlined processing and reduced operator workloads.
SCREEN Graphic Solutions Co., Ltd. (SCREEN GA) has developed the PlateRite Ultima 40000N series. The high-throughput models are designed to handle standard and process-less plates containing 40 A4-size pages. With their cutting-edge GLVTM heads, they deliver an outstanding output of up to 35 plates per hour (when 2280 x 1276mm plates are exposed at 2400dpi). The series is scheduled for simultaneous worldwide release this July. The two systems build on the exceptional throughput and versatility of the PlateRite Ultima 36000 and 40000 series.
Both PlateRite Ultima 40000N models feature the latest GLV exposure heads. These heads work with SCREEN GA’s proprietary clamp technologies and auto-balance mechanism to ensure stable, high-speed exposure with top quality. The line-up currently includes the ZS and ZT models, allowing printing companies to select the appropriate type for their production volumes.
While the ZS is equipped with a single 1024 channel laser diode head, enabling an output of 24 plates per hour (when 2280 x 1276mm plates are exposed at 2400 dpi) the ZT features two of these heads, giving it a throughput of up to 35 plates per hour. Both systems are capable of handling single plates with sizes extending to 2280 x 1600mm and can also be loaded with any two plates with sizes up to 1060 x 1600mm.
These plates include various process-less types available from major manufacturers. As process-less plates do not require the chemicals normally used in the processors following exposure, they provide a more eco-friendly option and also help to reduce energy consumption and operator workloads.
The ZS and ZT are also compatible with SCREEN GA’s MA-L40000N multi-cassette autoloader, capable of automatically supplying up to 300 plates from each cassette, 2 and SA-L40000N SKID autoloader, which enables direct use of a total of 600 plates (when plates with a thickness of 0.30mm are used) to be loaded onto a pallet. Either one or two autoloaders can be connected to each CtP system as required.
As well as providing significant labour savings and improved operational stability by allowing extended continuous production, autoloaders help to reduce the damage and loading errors that were a constant source of worry while handling the large size plates for VLF CtP systems. Further support for enhanced operational reliability is provided by SCREEN GA’s TRUST Network Service, which enables advanced online maintenance and monitoring of PlateRite Ultima 40000N models.
